Dog & Horse 2026 in Dortmund: Trade Fair for Animal Lovers
<p>When the Westphalian halls in Dortmund fill up in November, animal lovers' hearts beat faster: The <strong>Dog & Horse</strong> is considered Germany's largest dog show and simultaneously brings together one of the country's most significant horse trade fairs. From November 6-8, 2026, the Dortmund trade fair opens its doors to thousands of visitors who share one thing: a passion for four-legged friends.</p>
<h2>Two Worlds Under One Roof</h2> <p>The combination of a dog show and horse fair makes this event unique in its form. Around <strong>10,000 dogs from 240 breeds</strong> are expected – a scale that makes Dog & Horse Germany's largest dog show. In parallel, <strong>more than 370 horses</strong> of various breeds present themselves, from Arabians to warmbloods and coldblood horses to western horses and ponies. This diversity ensures that both experienced breeders and interested laypeople get their money's worth.</p> <p>The venue is traditionally the Dortmund trade fair (Westphalian halls), a location ideal for the combination of exhibition spaces, show areas, and sales stands due to its hall structure. With <strong>over 250 sales stands</strong>, the fair offers a broad spectrum of products for dogs and horses – from accessories to feed to care products.</p>
<h2>Shows, Shopping and Expert Advice</h2> <p>The varied show program demonstrates what dogs and horses can achieve. Various competitions and demonstrations provide insights into the abilities of the animals, while high-quality horse shows offer something for every taste. These program points are one of the main reasons why a visit to Dog & Horse is worthwhile:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Diverse show program</strong> with competitions and demonstrations for dogs</li> <li><strong>High-quality horse shows</strong> for different interests</li> <li><strong>Huge selection of products</strong> for accessories, feed and care products as well as snacks for dogs</li> <li><strong>Latest trends</strong> for horse and rider, including optimally adaptable saddles, gentle bits and protective leg wraps</li> <li><strong>Competent advice</strong> from various riding and breeding associations</li> <li><strong>Expert nutrition consultation</strong> – exhibitors such as animal feed manufacturers inform visitors on site about species-appropriate feeding</li> <li><strong>Access for the whole family</strong> – the fair is accessible without a trade visitor pass</li> <li><strong>Four-legged friends welcome</strong> – dogs may generally accompany the fair, with details regulated by the organizer</li> <li><strong>Broad breed diversity</strong> of dogs and horses to learn about and compare</li> <li><strong>Special offerings</strong> beyond the everyday, such as handcrafted products like glass jewelry with dog motifs</li> </ul>
<h3>A Meeting Place for the Industry</h3> <p>Beyond the visitor experience, numerous companies use Dog & Horse as a platform to present their products. For example, a well-known animal feed manufacturer is represented with its own stand in Hall 3 and offers expert advice on feeding issues for dogs and horses there. Smaller exhibitors, such as those from the handicraft sector with individually designed dog jewelry, also find their place in the halls. This mixture of major brands and specialized niche providers ensures a varied offering that covers both practical needs and special wishes.</p>
<h3>Practical Information for Your Fair Visit</h3> <p>The Dog & Horse 2026 takes place from Friday to Sunday, with opening hours potentially varying on individual days. Visitors should inform themselves in advance about current times and exact regulations regarding bringing their own dogs from the organizer. Since the fair is accessible to the general public without a trade visitor pass, it is suitable for families as well as professional breeders and equestrian sports enthusiasts.</p>
<h2>Conclusion: A Must-Attend Event for Animal Lovers</h2> <p>The Dog & Horse in Dortmund has established itself over the years as a fixture in the event calendar for animal lovers. The combination of Germany's largest dog show and a versatile horse fair creates an experience that combines shopping, professional information, and entertainment. With the date of November 6-8, 2026 in the Dortmund trade fair in mind, visitors can once again look forward to extensive exhibition grounds, exciting shows, and valuable advisory services. Anyone who loves dogs or horses – or both – should mark this date in their calendar now.</p>